Director of Shot Operations and Maintenance

Xcimer Energy•Denver, CO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Xcimer Energy is at the forefront of Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE), utilizing advanced laser technology to develop fusion power plants aimed at achieving global decarbonization goals. We are building a team of experts in tough tech, fusion science, and manufacturing, backed by prominent investors, to deliver clean, limitless fusion power. This full-time, onsite role in Denver, CO, is crucial for leading safe and efficient laser shot operations, maintenance, and upgrade projects for Phoenix, the world's most powerful privately funded laser. The Director will be responsible for building and managing a high-performing team of test engineers, engineering leads, and technicians, while also establishing and refining shot operations standards, processes, and infrastructure for continuous improvement and execution excellence. Additionally, the role serves as the Program Leader for Phoenix operations, overseeing its schedule, budget, and key operational metrics, and ensuring feedback mechanisms are in place to inform the design of future laser systems.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, or a related technical field.
10+ years of experience leading operations of complex, high-energy, or safety-critical technical systems.
Proven track record of program leadership, including ownership of schedule, budget, and delivery outcomes.
Demonstrated success in building and leading high-performing technical teams.
Strong systems thinking coupled with a curious, inquiry-driven mindset.
Experience implementing process discipline, operational metrics, and continuous improvement frameworks.
Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee of granted asylum.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in engineering, physics, or related discipline.
Experience with laser systems, pulsed power systems, or large-scale experimental facilities.
Background in test operations, commissioning, or high-throughput experimental environments.
Experience scaling operations in a rapidly evolving or startup environment.
Familiarity with automation, controls systems, and reliability engineering practices.

Responsibilities

Lead and directly manage the engineers and technicians in the Shot Operations and Maintenance department.
Build and scale a high-performing organization capable of supporting increasing operational throughput and system complexity.
Ensure effective staffing models and shift structures to support sustained operations.
Recruit, develop, and retain top talent, establishing clear roles, expectations, and career paths.
Drive a culture of: Operational Accountability and ownership, Safety and operational rigor, Continuous improvement and learning.
Develop and maintain shot operations standards and processes and infrastructure, leading continuous improvement and execution excellence in these areas.
Drive the development, standardization, and governance of: Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Operating limits and readiness processes, Maintenance requirements and spares.
Ensure strict adherence to safety standards, operating limits, and regulatory requirements.
Serve as program manager for Phoenix (the world’s most powerful privately funded laser) operations – accountable for the scope, schedule, and budget of Phoenix operations, maintenance and upgrades.
Own integrated planning and execution of shot operations, maintenance campaigns, and major upgrade projects.
Establish and lead the program operating rhythm, including: Program Management Reviews (PMRs), Weekly execution and planning meetings, Cross-functional alignment forums.
Track and manage program risks, dependencies, and critical path, ensuring proactive mitigation.
Ensure high-quality data collection, reporting, and communication of operational and program performance.
Own the Phoenix operations and maintenance budget, including: Labor and staffing plans, Operational expenses, Upgrade and capital expenditures (in partnership with Engineering).
Drive cost efficiency while maintaining performance, safety, and schedule commitments.
Provide regular forecasting, tracking, and reporting against budget.
Drive reduction of technical debt and advocate for design improvements that enhance operability and maintainability.
Create systematic collection of operational lessons learned and mechanisms for constructive feedback to designers to ensure the operability and maintainability of Xcimer’s future laser systems.